Chapter 13 - My plea
I pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault.
The courthouse was crowded because reporters knew my name.
I hated that Primrose would someday search it.
The prosecutor stated facts:
I struck Genevieve once after her assault against my child had ended.
No serious injury.
No self-defense finding.
My lawyer emphasized:
Immediate emotional context.
No continued attack.
Cooperation.
The judge imposed:
Twelve months conditional discharge/probation.
Anger-management program.
Fine.
No contact restriction with Genevieve except through legal/family proceedings unless mutually agreed.
No jail.
Some people online called it favoritism.
Others said the city finally made a Mafia boss answer for something.
Both oversimplified.
I hit my sister.
I was sentenced.
Then the civil side.
Genevieve threatened to sue for assault.
Actual medical costs:
$1,240.
No lasting injury.
Her initial demand:
$250,000.
Ridiculous.
Her insurer? Not relevant. She was claimant.
My counsel offered:
Medical costs plus modest settlement without admission beyond criminal plea.
Eventually:
$9,500.
No NDA.
I paid personally.
No Ravelle company money.
No trust money.
Primrose asked:
“Did you get in trouble because you hit Aunt Genevieve?”
“Yes.”
“But she hit me first.”
“Yes.”
“Was yours still wrong?”
“Yes.”
She thought.
“Adults are annoying.”
Correct.
Then Genevieve’s own child-assault case remained pending.
Different defendant.
May you like
Different conduct.
No symmetry requirement.
